The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) have backed President William Ruto’s recent Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) nominees for chairperson and commissioners.
Last week, President William Ruto nominated Erastus Edung Ethekon as the new IEBC Chairman, alongside six commissioners namely Fahima Araphat Abdallah, Hassan Noor Hassan and Francis Odhiambo Aduol.
Others include Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu, Moses Mukhwana, Mary Karen and Sorobit.
SUPKEM National Chairman Alhajj Hassan Ole Naado in his statement issued in Nairobi congratulated the nominees and the selection Panel for the milestone achieved towards reconstituting the electoral body and wishes the nominees success as they face vetting and approval by the National Assembly.
The Chairman said as one of the constitutions under the corporate umbrella of the Inter Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK), who supported nominated members to serve on the Selection Panel, thus supporting the Panel’s recommendations and the President’s nominations that are now before the National Assembly.
Additionally, the National Assembly is expected to enhance vetting and approval, fostering a team that gains public trust and confidence in managing elections, crucial for a young, enduring democracy.
He said the Council appeals to the National Assembly to expedite the vetting process of the nominees for a speedy reconstruction of the IEBC because the people of Kenya are anxious for the IEBC to be up and running to conduct pending elections and embark on the delayed boundaries review.
“Any further delay will affect these processes and affect preparations and timelines for the next presidential and general elections which, as the present political environment attests, promise to be very competitive” he said.
Meanwhile, he said that as they affirm their support of and confidence in the nominees, they are equally concerned about the political rhetoric that has already greeted the nominees.
“A section of senior politicians has publicly cast aspersions on the character and competence of the nominees, especially the nominee for the IEBC Chairmanship” he said adding that the nominees will be facing vetting in the National Assembly and if anybody has problems with any or all of them, they will have a chance to raise them.
He appealed to all stakeholders and the people at large to support this process and lend support to the nominees in order to inspire confidence in the expected new IEBC.
By Anita Omwenga
